Impact Report - 2025 DRAFT-2 - Flipbook - Page 23
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
NORTHERN IRELAND
22
2025 was an exceptionally entrepreneurial
year for PeacePlayers Northern Ireland. As a
compliment to core programs, we saw the
launch of four new initiatives, rooted in
deep partnership and with the aim of
expanding
our
footprint
throughout
Northern Ireland, as well as into border
communities in the Republic of Ireland:
United Youth Initiative (UYI) (with Healthy Kidz, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Dundalk Institute of
Technology): Reaching young people across Northern Ireland and the border regions, supporting
relationship-building that transcends not only community lines, but national ones as well.
PlusSport (with Active Communities Network, Community Sports Network, and Sport Changes Life): A
new sport-for-development coalition supported through Belfast City Council’s PeacePlus Local Action
Plan, working collectively to increase access to safe, structured, and inclusive opportunities for young
people in Belfast.
Border Unity Basketball League (BUBL) (funded by the International Fund for Ireland and delivered
with Peacelink, Largy College in Clones, and South West College in Enniskillen): Using basketball to
connect young people in border communities, where divisions and isolation can be especially
pronounced.
SportEd Young Influencers (bespoke Open College Network-endorsed training program): Supporting
emerging youth leaders in Irvinestown (County Fermanagh) with qualifications, confidence, and skills
to lead change and create social impact in their schools and communities.
“Our partnerships are central to how we deliver impact. By working together,
we are not only creating more connected communities, but also unlocking
opportunities for innovation, growth, and long-term positive outcomes for
youth across Northern Ireland.”
Gareth Harper, Managing Director, PeacePlayers Northern Ireland
